Do goldfish really need gravel

[James From Cali]

I heard it was easier to clean f the tank was bare bottom.

 

[Igor The Cat]

yeah it is, most animals dont need a sub, thats why you see a bunch of discus and SW tanks bare bottom

cheers

-Java

 

[James From Cali]

So I can take the gravel out of my tank because lately its been a pain to clean. I have one of those betta cups that I can put my java fern in or can I just have it free float?

 

[Igor The Cat]

you could attach the fern to pretty much anything, mabye a rock or small piece of wood, as its not really a substrate plant

cheers

-Java

 

[James From Cali]

Okay thanks so much!

 

[Lotus]

So I can take the gravel out of my tank because lately its been a pain to clean.

Just wait until you go barebottom in the tank, then you'll see all the poop and waste! You will probably want to clean it more often when you see it. It's just one of the reasons you should keep goldfish in larger tanks.

 

[James From Cali]

Yeah. I am planning on a pond for about 4. But I need something that is small enough to fit in a really small backyard.

 

[Seleya]

If you do remove the substrate, make sure the filter has sufficient biomedia for the bacteria which would normally live in the gravel. I like to use Matrix in my goldfish's filters to provide plenty of surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. I don't have barebottom tanks (thinking of tiling a tank tho) but use only the barest of coverings of gravel in any tank with goldies (at times you can see glass peeking through) to facilitate cleaning.

 

[ninamarie]

I perfer the gravel then the bare bottom, I really wouldnot want to see all the waste from the fish and besides it gives the fish something to peck and pick up when exploring the bottom.

 

[James From Cali]

Well I left some gravel at the bottom and he likes to play with it then he goes in the cup thats filled with gravel and a java fern.

 

[ninamarie]

there ya go, good job, thye like to explore their surroundings that is for sure.

 

[THUNDER]

I dont see a much difference in improved quality of the water when the gravels are removed in a Goldfish tank. I think that its best to have gravels for many reasons, including more surface area (bottom) for those nice bacterias to live on.

Thunder

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Trust me. With gravel removed its much easier to clean, meaning the water quality should be better.

 

[James From Cali]

Yeah I noticed my tank is clear and tomorrow is my first wc with this tank. I'm not sure if I should buy a different filter yet though. I have $40.36 that Im saving for a trip.

 

[Seleya]

With barebottoms you see every little poo, so you're far more likely to clean the tank more regularly. Also, most people who use gravel seem to follow the lb/gal rule which doesn't apply to most tanks or situations. In the case of goldfish tanks, an amazing amount of mulm can build up within the gravel if one is inattentive for the briefest period of time.

I prefer a skim of turtle pebbles on the bottom of my goldfish tanks just for asthetic reasons and to entertain the fish who like to mouth the pebbles. I provide for extra biofilter surface within my filters.

 

[THUNDER]

People would want to use gravels, because its the substrate that will hold down plants/decorations. I have some plants that sinks to the bottom, but I do not like to see bumps of white plasters (or whatever it is).

Thunder

 

[Seleya]

Well then, use gravel.... Many people don't mind the look and actually like it. I've seen some amazing decorated barebottom tanks. In my own goldfish tanks, the plants (real) are attached to driftwood or rocks so I don't need a substrate to hold them down.

 

[James From Cali]

Well my neihbor has a 400g pond outside with 5 black moors, 3 calico fantails, and an oranda. I gave him my Black Moor because I thought he might be happier, and he is!

 

[ninamarie]

oh I love BM's!!!!

where in calif are you?